Come celebrate Coastal Dune Lake Appreciation month as the University of Florida’s Panhandle Outdoor Live team provides a guided walking tour of the nature trail surrounding Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park. Join local Walton County University of Florida Extension agents to learn more about our globally rare coastal dune lakes, their history, surrounding ecosystems, and local protections. Walk the nature trail through coastal habitats including maritime hammocks, coastal scrub, salt marsh wetlands, and coastal forest. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Admission into the park is not included and is $5.00 per vehicle, so car pooling is encouraged. We will meet at the beach pavilion (restroom facilities available) at 8:45 am with a lecture and tour start time of 9:00 am sharp. The nature trail is approximately one mile long, through some sandy dunes (can be challenging to walk in), on hard-packed trails, and sometimes soggy forests. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars are optional. Tour is approximately 2 hours. Tours may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
There are several great restaurant options in the area for an after tour lunch. Or, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach at the park. You can rent kayaks and canoes at the park is you wish to paddle the dune lake.
The event is free with park admission. To reserve a spot, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panhandle-outdoor-live-2024-coastal-dune-lake-lecture-and-trail-tour-tickets-1012991654307
For more information contact: Laura Tiu, lgtiu@ufl.edu, 850-892-8172
Grayton Beach State Park is located in Walton County, South of U.S. 98 off of Scenic Road 30A. Take county road 283 south from U.S. 98, turn left at the stop sign on 30A (approximately 1/4 mile east of the intersection of C.R. 30A and C.R. 283 the main entrance is on the right). ::MAP::